"Coach [Steve] Spurrier raised the expectation level here, and we're going to continue to push that forward and push the envelope to win championships consistently here in Columbia," Muschamp said.

Muschamp, the former Auburn defensive coordinator and Florida Gators head coach, was introduced by Athletics Director Ray Tanner and University President Harris Pastides.

Pastides started the news conference noting an interesting fact in Muschamp's name.

"I happen to like that the name Muschamp is spelled with USC Champ," Pastides said.

With the goal of a championship -- whether it be an SEC championship or a national championship -- set, Tanner introduced Muschamp by talking up his work as a defensive-minded coach.

"There's no doubt in my mind with his knowledge, expertise, and experience, he is well-suited to be the coach at the University of South Carolina," Tanner said.

Tanner is banking on Muschamp's chops as top defensive coach and shrewd recruiter to bring the Gamecocks back to contention in the SEC East.

Muschamp agreed, saying one of his first goals at South Carolina was to win in-state recruiting, which has suffered in the past several seasons with a resurgent Clemson Tigers team being ranked No. 1 in the country.

"We want to be a blue-collar, overachieving outfit," Muschamp said. "That's what we want to be known for. If we recruit good enough players that buy into that work ethic, a lot of special things are going to happen for us."

Recruiting aside, Muschamp immediately addressed the largest elephant in the room -- his time with the Gators that ended in a 28-21 record.

"We did a lot of things very well," Muschamp said. "It didn't end the way I wanted it to."

And the defense played very well, too -- ranked 15th in 2014, 8th in 2013, and 5th in 2012.

Muschamp said ultimately, he's reflected deeply on what happened at Florida and what he could do if another head coaching opportunity presented itself.

"Certainly, any time you're able to reflect and take some perspective on what happened, you've got to be willing to learn," Muschamp said. "That's one of the things you've got to do is look back. There's nobody that's going to be more self-critical of themselves than myself as far as what we need to do to be successful."

Muschamp's offenses at Florida were ultimately what brought him down, finishing 97th in 2014, 113th in 2013, and 105th in 2012 in total offense. The new coach said the key to his time at South Carolina will be to have an innovative offense like Auburn and to surround himself with bright offensive minds.

Staffing-wise, Muschamp said he's not ready to officially name anyone to the new Gamecocks staff.

"I'm going to hire the best guys for us, the best fit for us, the best coaches for us, and the best fit for South Carolina. And that may take some time. I'm not going to put a timetable on that because at the end of the day you want the best fit for our young men."

Muschamp also answered questions about his sideline demeanor, which has been well-documented over the years as passionate, but hot-headed. Still, Muschamp defended himself.

"I'm certainly in accordance with everything [Ray Tanner] wants done," Muschamp said. "I'm a passionate guy. I do have a competitive edge about me. I do coach with a lot of energy on the field, and I want our players to play with relentless effort and great energy and great passion because I have been coaching a long time and I do know that your players generally do take the personality of your coach and I want our guys to play with that type of competitive edge every time they go out."

That competitive edge is ultimately what Tanner said he saw in Muschamp.

"We've got our man. We've got a Gamecock. Buckle up your seat belt. Get on board. Here we go. And if you want to be fast and furious, that's where we're going," Tanner said.